DiNapoli’s Plan To Curb Corruption

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a plan Friday to crack down on the sort of corruption that has plagued New York’s capitol for as long as many of us can remember.

Former Comptroller Alan Hevesi, Former Senators Vincent Liebell, Joe Bruno, Guy Velella, Former Assemblymen Anthony Seminario, Brian McLaughlan, Clarence Norman…. It seems no matter how long the list of politicians busted for abusing their power grows, it doesn’t seem dissuade others from falling suit.

DiNapoli will introduce legislation he hopes will serve as a deterrent for politicians to behavior badly. Under the current law, that list of convicted ex-pols is still eligible to receive pension benefits. And while the Constitution prohibits sitting lawmakers’ pensions from being diminished, DiNapoli says benefits could be revoked from lawmakers convicted of felonies who take office after the measure is signed into law. In addition, the legislation elevates official misconduct to a felony offense – which means lawmakers would automatically lose their seats. It also designates a punishment of up to twice the sum that was swindled.

DiNapoli joined Liz Benjamin by phone Friday to further explain his plan.